Michael's POV:
It was getting late, nearing nine o'clock. Claire was still not home from the lab today. I'd warned Myrnin that keeping her after dark was a risk, to her and to me, because I would end up having to go to get her. Yes, I was a vampire, but I'd only been one for about a year. But that didn't mean I wanted to go out and protect her at night. I hated being out there as much as anyone else. I didn't trust most of these vampires, not like Claire did.
Claire . . . she trusted anyone. A little too much if you ask me. What with her psychotic, half crazed vampire boss, and Oliver, and Amelie, and now me. I would never hurt Claire, she was like my little sister, my sweet, innocent, yet beyond stubborn little sister.
I strummed at the strings of my guitar, though my thoughts were far past playing some random song I'd written. No, my thoughts were
lost and wandering elsewhere, filled with worry. I sighed, and gave up, setting my guitar on the edge of the couch beside me.
Eva was standing at the door of the kitchen looking at me, it was surprising, because I didn't even hear her walk over. "You okay, Michael?"
I nodded. "I'm just wondering where the hell Claire is. It's not like her to not call."
"Yeah, I know. I'm worrying too. But she's a big girl, and she has the protection of the Founder, so I think it's safe to say she's okay."
I shrugged and just sat at the end of the couch, waiting. Eve looked up from her watch as the door knob jiggled, and Claire stepped inside. I was over to her in three strides. "What the hell, Claire? It's hours past when you are supposed to be home. Why didn't you call? Did you forget where you are!"
She just stared at me, a smile playing on the edge of her lightly glossed lips. "Sorry, Dad. I wasn't out with a boy. I was working. You know that. Myrnin took a little longer explaining some symbols to me. I promise to call next time I'm going to be late."
I just stood there, kinda unsure what to say next. "Oh, well, okay. Just remember to call next time. We worry about you."
"Especially me." Shane said as he descended the stairs. He smiled at her and her face lit up like a disco ball. "I was worried I had to kick some vampire ass." He kissed her ever-so lightly on the lips before taking her bag for her.
"Yeah, Michael's illustrated that for me all too well. I'm sorry. I'll try to be on time more. We're still trying to do some damage control from Bishop's latest drop by. Thank god he's dead. I don't know if I can handle the extra work Amelie has for me."
"Maybe you should quit."
She just looked at me, like I was being ridiculous. "We both know I'm in no position to turn down whatever the Founder tells me to do. I'm kinda her property." She held up her left wrist to show me the Founder's bracelet still attached to her arm.
"Right." I mumbled.
Before I said anything else, I just walked toward the kitchen to Eve.
"What's wrong with Michael?" I heard Claire say with my vamp hearing.
Shane was silent, he clearly was unsure himself. Frankly so was I…
